Quick release dock system and method

ABSTRACT

A docking station to secure and charge a portable computer such as a hand held terminal to allow the operator to easily and quickly remove the portable computer. When the docking station is energized, an electromagnetic contact is capable of magnetically retaining the portable computer. Upon activation of a release on either the portable computer or the docking station, the electromagnetic contact is de-energized and the portable computer is detached. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station is mounted on a vehicle and the electromagnetic contact receives power from the battery of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is halted and turned off, the electromagnetic contact may be de-energized but the portable computer may still be held in place by a mechanical retention port.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a quick release and attachment system and method for a portable computer in a docking station.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking it is too difficult for users to insert and remove hand held terminals (HHTs) from current holsters and docks used in vehicles. Therefore a need exists for a dock solution that can charge the HHT battery, retain the HHT in the dock when the vehicle is in motion and enable the operator to easily and quickly remove the HHT from the dock when the vehicle is stopped.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a quick release and attachment docking system comprising: a docking station having a first magnetic contact; a portable computer having a second magnetic contact which is configured to mate with the first magnetic coupling to attach the portable computer to the docking station; and a release request capable of sending a release request signal to detach the portable computer from the docking station.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is disclosed a method of quickly releasing from and attaching to a docking system comprising: magnetically attracting at a first magnetic contact of a docking station a second magnetic contact of a portable computer; and receiving a release request input to send a release request signal to detach the portable computer from the docking station.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an illustration of a side view of a portable computer 100 as described herein.

FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of the exemplary portable computer 100.

FIGS. 2A-2C show block diagrams of the portable computer 100 and corresponding docking station 200.

FIG. 3 shows block diagrams of the portable computer 100 and the docking station 200 with a radio able to detect a Radio Frequency Identification (RDIF) Tag.

FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of the portable computer 100 with a radio able to detect a tag (e.g., a Radio Frequency Identification (RDIF) Tag) and wirelessly communicate with the docking station 200.

FIG. 5 shows block diagrams of the docking station 200 wherein the electromagnet is provided with continuous power and the portable computer 100 is capable of activating its electromagnet to detach from the docking station.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show block diagrams of alternative embodiments of the dock 200 and portable computer 100 before and after attachment with magnets located in the retention port and the corresponding bottom portion of the portable computer 100.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show block diagrams of another alternative embodiment of the dock and portable computer before and after attachment with interlocking pieces mounted on the dock and the portable computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a docking station and portable computer having an improved release and attachment system and method. In an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1A the portable computer may be a handheld terminal (HHT) 100. The HHT may be a code-symbol capturing subsystem such as an image capturing subsystem for obtaining images within the image capturing subsystem's field of view (e.g., an imager). In an alternative embodiment, the HHT may be a code-symbol capturing subsystem such as a laser scanning subsystem for scanning code symbols within the laser scanning subsystem's field of view (e.g., a scanner). It is to be understood that the portable computer 100 could also be a wireless tablet device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular phone, smartphone, and/or vehicle-mount computer. As discussed above, when the portable computer 100 is an imager or a scanner it may be used for reading code symbols. The term “code symbol” is intended broadly to refer to any machine-readable indicia or device used to store information about an object (e.g., a barcode).

The portable computer 100 may broadly have a user interface system 102 containing one or a plurality of inputs capable of acting as a “release request” (or “release activation”) to send a “release request signal” for the portable computer 100 to be detached from a dock 200 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) and discussed further below. The release request may include one, a combination or all of the following: a trigger 104 to be pressed to operate the portable computer 100 and which also acts as the release request; a touch screen 105 having a visual display with a soft keyboard; a button 106; and/or a key on a keyboard 108. These input methods when activated are all capable of releasing the portable computer 100 from the dock 200.

FIG. 1B schematically depicts an exemplary portable computer 100 (such as an HHT) in accordance with the present disclosure. The portable computer 100 typically includes a processor 110 which is communicatively coupled with the user interface system 102 having touch screen/visual display 105, a memory 112 having a database 114, a camera 116, a wireless communication system 118 and an input/output (I/O) module 120. Exemplary portable computers 100 may include a system bus 122 and/or one or more interface circuits (not shown) for coupling the processor 110 and other components (e.g., user interface system 102, memory 112, camera 116, wireless communication system 118 and I/O module) to the system bus 122 and to each other.

Typically, the processor 110 is configured to execute instructions and to carry out operations associated with the portable computer 100. For example, using instructions retrieved from the memory 112 (e.g., a memory block), the processor 110 may control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of the portable computer 100. When the portable computer 100 is an imager or scanner, the processor 110 is configured for capturing from the camera 116 an image depicting a code symbol; displaying the image on the visual display 105; and determining whether the code symbol in the image is readable by the processor. The processor 110 typically operates with an operating system to execute computer code and produce and use data. The operating system, other computer code, and data may reside within the memory 112 that is operatively coupled to the processor 110. The memory 112 generally provides a place to store computer code and data that are used by the portable computer 100. The memory 112 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM), Random-Access Memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, and/or other non-transitory storage media. The operating system, other computer code, and data may also reside on a removable non-transitory storage medium that is loaded or installed onto the portable computer 100 when needed. The wireless communication system 118 enables the portable computer 100 to communicate with a wireless network, such as a cellular network (e.g., a GSM network, a CDMA network, or an LTE network), a local area network (LAN), and/or an ad hoc network. In some embodiments, the wireless communication system 118 also allows the portable computer 100 to communicate with a corresponding wireless communication system in the docking station 200 (as discussed in more detail below). The I/O module 120 may be a hardwire connector which allows the portable computer 100 to receive power and/or data when plugged in.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show block diagrams of the portable computer 100 before and after attachment to a dock (or docking station or holster) 200. Dock 200 is typically located in or mounted on, for example, a convenient location in a vehicle (not shown). In alternative embodiments dock 200 may be a standalone device or mounted on a wall. The dock 200 may be a passive dock primarily providing a place to hold the portable computer 100 but without any electrical connection to it. Dock 200 may also be an active dock providing power and/or data connections for the portable computer 100 when it is docked. As shown in FIG. 2C, the I/O module 120 may be located on the rear portion of the portable computer 100. I/O module 120 is configured to mate with the I/O port 204 of dock 200. I/O connections 120 and 204 may be power and/or data. The dock 200 may be electrically coupled to a power source such as a battery of a vehicle or have a local power source (e.g., batteries) to provide power to I/O module 120. In one embodiment, the ignition of the vehicle may control when the dock 200 receives power from the battery of a vehicle. When not used in a vehicle, the dock 200 may be connected to the grid and/or have its own local power source (e.g., batteries). The dock 200 may be used to charge the portable computer battery (not shown) when retaining the portable computer 100. The dock 200 may also be a data conduit from or to the Internet to upload data from the portable computer 100 to a remote database and/or update the software in the portable computer 100 through the I/O connections 120 and 204. The dock 200 also may include a retention port 201 for mechanically supporting the portable computer 100 in place. This retention port 201 will be discussed in more detail below.

Dock 200 has a magnet (or first magnetic contact) 202 built in. The magnet 202 may be a simple magnet (e.g., iron) or an electromagnet which is capable of being powered by the battery of a vehicle upon which the dock 200 is mounted. Power from the vehicle battery in the case where magnet 202 is an electromagnet may be turned on and off by a microcontroller 210 (shown in FIG. 3). The portable computer 100 also has a magnet 124 (or second magnetic contact) which corresponds to and mates with magnet 202 to secure the portable computer 100 in the dock 200. Magnet 124 is typically a simple magnet when magnet 202 is an electromagnetic but in alternative cases (as discussed below) it may also be an electromagnet. The shapes of the magnets 124 and 202 may be that of a circle, square, or similar types. The magnets 124 and 202 may or not have substantially the same shape. In an alternative embodiment, dock 200 integrates just a simple magnet 202 (e.g., which may be iron and not an electromagnet) configured to mate with electromagnet 124 on the portable computer 100. In another alternative embodiment, both 202 and 124 may be electromagnets. In this case, when only one of the electromagnets 202 or 124 is energized there is an attraction between the portable computer 100 and dock 200 but when both first and second magnetic contacts are energized, there is a repulsion. The repulsive force detaches the computer from the dock. In another alternative embodiment, the magnet 124 is not present but rather the casing (or a portion of the casing) of the portable computer 100 is made of a magnetic material and is able to attach to the magnet 202.

When portable computer 100 is in dock 200, magnets 202 and 124 will hold the portable computer 100 in a fashion that secures the contacts of the input/output electrical connections 120 and 204. A release of the portable computer 100 from the dock 200 may involve any of the following after receiving a release request signal: 1) microcontroller 210 turning off power to electromagnetic 202 which is mated to simple magnetic 124; 2) processor 110 turning off power to electromagnet 124 which is mated with simple magnet 202; and 3) in a case where both 202 and 124 are electromagnets, electromagnet 202 would typically always be on and by turning on power to electromagnetic 124 it will cause a repulsive force to push the portable computer 100 away from the dock 200. In another embodiment, electromagnetic 124 could always be on and electromagnet 202 is turned on to cause the repulsion force and the detachment of the portable computer 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the dock 200 is located in a vehicle and the magnet 202 is an electromagnet which is normally energized when the vehicle is operating to hold the portable computer 100 securely in place. In this embodiment, there is no mechanical retention of the portable computer 100 so that when the electromagnet 202 is not energized the portable computer 100 will detach and the portable computer 100 will drop if not caught by the operator. However, in an alternative embodiment, in addition to magnet 202, the portable computer 100 may be held in place with enough mechanical retention so that when the electromagnet 202 is not energized due to the vehicle power being off the portable computer 100 will not slip. Therefore, dock 200 may also include a mechanical retention port 201 which provides further support for the portable computer 100 when it is in the docked position. The mechanical retention force of the portable computer 100 in the dock 200 by the port 201 must be such so as to allow the portable computer 100 to be simply lifted off the dock 200 when the magnet 202 is de-energized. The required retention force will depend on the configuration of the mechanical retention, the portable computer 100 weight, and the shock and vibration experienced by the vehicle upon which the dock 200 is mounted. When the vehicle power is on, the magnet 202 is energized causing the portable computer 100 to be firmly held by the dock 200. When the portable computer 100 “releases” the electromagnet 202, it is de-energized and the portable computer 100 is easily removed.

The user can cause a detachment of the portable computer 100 using any of the following “release requests” of the user interface 102. First, the user can press the computer scan trigger 104 which will signal to the processor 110 to send a release request signal to dock 200. Second, the user can press a button 106 or key on a keyboard 108 on the portable computer 100 to send the release request signal to the dock 200. Third, the user can press a button on the portable computer touchscreen 105 to send the release request signal to the dock 200. The release request signal can be sent to the dock 200 either through wireless communication system 118 or through a wired connection. The wired connection may be a cable running between the portable computer 100 and the dock 200 and the release request signal could travel through the cable to the dock 200.

The user can also cause a detachment of the portable computer 100 on the dock 200 side. As shown in FIG. 3, the user could actuate a button 208 on dock 200 which will direct microcontroller 210 to de-energize magnet 202.

In another embodiment, also illustrated by FIG. 3, the user may have a passive RFID tag 300, or similar device operating at different near field communication (NFC) frequencies or other type of wireless link (e.g., Zigbee™), embedded in a ring, bracelet or other item worn on or near the user's hand. When an integral RFID reader radio 212 detects RFID tag 300 in proximity, microcontroller 210 will de-energize magnet 202 and portable computer 100 will be released. (Radio 212 may also function as a wireless communication system for the dock 200). Through the requirement of an RFID tag 300, the dock 200 could also perform a security function and only allow an assigned driver of a vehicle to remove the portable computer 100 from the dock 200.

When the release request signal has been detected by the dock 200 there are several options for actually releasing the portable computer 100 from dock 200. First, referring to FIG. 3, if the dock 200 contains RFID tag reader radio 212 or has a release activation button 208 (or alternatively a release activation key on a keyboard), the dock 200 could de-energize the electromagnet 202 when the release request signal is detected through microcontroller 210. Second, as illustrated by FIG. 4, a release request input may be made by the user actuating scan trigger 104, computer touchscreen 105, button 106 or keyboard 108 or the RFID tag 401 sending a release request signal 400 to the wireless communication system radio 118. Upon any of these release request events, a wireless release request signal 402 is sent from the portable computer wireless communication system (radio) 118 to the wireless communication system (reader radio) 212 on dock 200 or a wired release request signal is sent through I/O connections 120 and 204 to de-energize magnet 202. Third, the second option can be simplified by using electromagnet 202 and electromagnet 124 in both the dock 200 and portable computer 100. In this embodiment, as illustrated by FIG. 5, the microcontroller 302 and radio 304 are not necessary and may be eliminated from the dock 200. The dock electromagnet 202 is continuously energized by power source 500. The portable computer electromagnet 124 is de-energized when the portable computer 100 is held in the dock 200 and thus has the opposite polarity of the dock magnet 202. The portable computer 100 is released by energizing the portable computer electromagnet 124 to reverse polarity to match the electromagnet 202 in the dock 200. The like polarity magnets 202 and 124 repel each other and the portable computer 100 is pushed away from the dock 200. Also, in another embodiment, the electromagnet 202 could be de-energized by removing power from dock 200. For example, the dock 200 could be wired such that if the ignition of a vehicle is off then the dock power is also off.

Returning to the retention port 201 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, this mechanical retention may be an optional feature. In some embodiments it will be desirable to support the portable computer 100 when the magnetic retention is turned off. In other cases, it may be desirable to have the portable computer 100 fall into the user's hands when the magnetic retention is off. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the dock 200 mounted in a vehicle (not shown) with the magnetic material 202 in the retention port 201. The magnetic material joins with the corresponding magnetic material 124 located on the bottom portion of the portable computer 100. Arrow 600 shows the direction of force 600 caused by the vehicle driving over a bump. In this embodiment, there may be a problem if the force resulting from the bump is enough to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnets 202 and 124. FIGS. 7A and 7B show improved embodiments of the dock 200 and portable computer 100 with interlocking pieces 220 and 126 overlapping to provide enough strength to overcome a disruptive force due to the vehicle going over a bumpy road. The magnets 202 and 124 only need to have enough attraction to hold the dock 200 and computer 100 together so that they are interlocked.

In summary, there are at least four elements to a good solution to the problems presented herein. First the dock 200 should hold the portable computer 100 firmly in place. This may be accomplished with an electromagnet in the dock, an electromagnet in the portable computer or electromagnets in both. Second there should be a way for the user to input a “request release”. At least five examples are given in the disclosure. Third there should be a way to communicate the “request release signal” to an electromagnet microcontroller in the docking station by sending a signal from a wireless communication system in the portable computer to a wireless communication system in the docking station. Fourth, microcontrollers and/or processors in the dock and portable computer should be able to energize and de-energize the electromagnet(s). The electromagnets on the dock and portable computer together form a “release mechanism” with variations in which of the magnets (or both) is energized.

Advantages of some or all of the embodiments disclosed herein include a dock solution that can charge the portable computer battery, retain the portable computer in the dock when used in a vehicle and the vehicle is in motion, and enable the operator of a vehicle to easily and quickly remove the computer from the dock when the vehicle is stopped.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Although process (or method) steps may be described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order unless specifically indicated. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step) unless specifically indicated. Where a process is described in an embodiment the process may operate without any user intervention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A quick release and attachment docking system for a handheld terminal, the system comprising: a docking station having a first magnetic contact; and a handheld terminal comprising a user interface system and a second magnetic contact, the user interface system comprising a handle and a trigger button located in proximity to the handle and configured to operate the handheld terminal when actuated; wherein the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mate with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, magnetically attaching the handheld scanner to the docking station; and wherein magnetic force is configured to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station, upon detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising the trigger button being actuated.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first magnetic contact is energized to attract the handheld terminal and de-energized to detach the handheld terminal.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a processor capable of energizing the second magnetic contact upon receiving the input acting as the release request to repulse the handheld terminal from the docking station.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second magnetic contact is energized to attract the docking station and de-energized to detach the handheld terminal.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first wireless communication system located in the docking station and a second wireless communication system located in the handheld terminal; and wherein upon operation of the input acting as the release request, a wireless release signal is sent from the second wireless communication system to the first wireless communication system in the docking station to de-energize the first magnetic contact.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a first wireless communication system located in the docking station and a second wireless communication system located in the handheld terminal; and wherein upon operation of the input acting as the release request, a wireless release signal is sent from the first wireless communication system to the second wireless communication system in the docking station to de-energize the second magnetic contact.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein upon operation of the input acting as the release request, the release signal is sent to a processor of the handheld terminal to de-energize the second magnetic contact.
 8. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a wired cable running between the docking station and the handheld terminal capable of carrying a signal comprising the input acting as the release request.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: electrical connections located on the docking station and capable of charging the handheld terminal; and electrical connections located on the docking station and capable of providing data to and receiving data from the handheld terminal.
 10. A method of quickly releasing a handheld terminal from a docking station, the method comprising: providing a docking station having a first magnetic contact and a handheld terminal having a second magnetic contact, the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mated with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, the handheld terminal thereby magnetically attached to the docking station, wherein the handheld terminal comprises a user interface system having a handle and a trigger button located in proximity to the handle and configured to operate the handheld terminal when actuated; detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising the trigger button being actuated and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag worn on or near the user's hand being in proximity to the handheld terminal; and causing the magnetic force to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein upon receiving the input acting as the release request, de-energizing the first magnetic contact to detach the portable computer from the docking station.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein upon receiving the input acting as the release request, de-energizing the second magnetic contact to detach the portable computer from the docking station.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: energizing the first magnetic contact; and wherein upon receiving the input acting as the release request, de-energizing the second magnetic contact to repulse the portable computer from the docking station.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: energizing the first magnetic contact from a battery of a vehicle upon which the docking station is mounted upon receiving a signal from an ignition switch of the vehicle.
 15. The method of claim 10, further comprising: mechanically retaining the handheld terminal in the docking station at a port.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the RFID tag which wirelessly sends the input acting as the release request to the docking station to de-energize the first magnetic contact.
 17. The method of claim 10, wherein the RFID tag wirelessly sends the input acting as the release request to the handheld terminal to de-energize the second magnetic contact.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving the input acting as the release request at in the docking station, and upon receiving the input acting as the release request, sending a signal to the handheld terminal to de-energize the first magnetic contact to detach the handheld terminal from the docking station.
 19. A quick release and attachment docking system for a handheld terminal, the system comprising: a docking station having a first magnetic contact; and a handheld terminal comprising a user interface system and a second magnetic contact, the user interface system comprising a handle configured to be held by the user when operating the handheld terminal; wherein the first magnetic contact and the second magnetic contact mate with one another at least in part by magnetic force supplied from an electromagnet, magnetically attaching the handheld scanner to the docking station; and wherein magnetic force is configured to de-energize or reverse polarity, allowing the handheld terminal to release from the docking station, upon detecting an input acting as a release request, the input comprising a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag worn on or near the user's hand being in proximity to the handle.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the first magnetic contact is energized to attract the handheld terminal and de-energized to detach the handheld terminal.
 21. The system of claim 19, wherein the second magnetic contact is energized to attract the docking station and de-energized to detach the handheld terminal. 